Back in 2022 I wrote a book. Or at least, I wrote the first draft of what I plan will become a book. It doesn’t have a proper name yet – it is saved as simply “The CTG Book” on my hard drive. It has sat there, looking a bit sad, ever since I got to the end of the final chapter.
It ended up in the “too hard” basket for several reasons. I had less time to work on it in 2023 and it was easier to prioritise work that resulted in a pay packet each month rather than a theoretical income in the distant future. I vacillated for far too long about whether to self-publish or approach a publisher, and if so who. Without that decision being made, I didn’t have a path forward for the next step. And not progressing it meant I never had to deal with the scary prospect of it being a complete flop. Procrastination for self-protection!
Like many of us, I spent time during the end of year holiday season reflecting on 2023 and goal setting for 2024. I also used some of that time to take some online business courses (with Leonie Dawson – can recommend!). One of the courses was about writing and publishing a book and it has put the fire back under my pot, so to speak.
So my big news is that 2024 will see the emergence of this book!
The book has been dragged out of the depths of my hard drive and is currently under consideration with a publisher. If they pick it up it would be amazing, but it feels like a bit of a long shot to be honest. If they don’t sign me up, then I’m going to start a new learning journey and figure out how to self-publish.
Where do you fit in with this plan?
First, I’m going to need help along the way. There are lots of decisions to be made (not the least of which is what to call it) and it makes sense to have folks who might actually buy the book to weigh in on the choices. I want it to meet your needs after all. Right now – my two big decisions are:
- Where do I go for a not too time consuming and not too expensive course on self publishing? I’m happy to either take a face-to-face one or do something online.
- Where do I find a great editor I can work with to take it from crappy first draft to stunning and done? Preferably someone local to me (Sunshine Coast, Qld), who has prior experience in the “self-help health care” genre, and who has personal experience with birth.
If you have been down this road before, or know someone who has – hit me up with your suggestions!
Second, I want to keep you, my regular readers, updated with the book as it progresses. I feel like blog posts are not the best place for that as most of you are here for the research, not life updates! So I’m mostly going to use my newsletter as a way to let you know what is happening. If you want to come along for the ride – make sure you subscribe to the newsletter if you haven’t already (big green button down below). You’ll get a monthly update about courses, blog posts, and now the book. I sometimes also offer really special discounts (like last month’s $5 course!) that are exclusive to newsletter subscribers.
Let’s go write a book!
Sign Up for the BirthSmallTalk Newsletter and Stay Informed!
Want to stay up-to-date with the latest research and course offers? Our monthly newsletter is here to keep you in the loop.
By subscribing to the newsletter, you’ll gain exclusive access to:
- Exciting Announcements: Be the first to know about upcoming courses. Stay ahead of the curve and grab your spot before anyone else!
- Exclusive Offers and Discounts: As a valued subscriber, you’ll receive special discounts and offers on courses. Don’t miss the chance to save money while investing in your professional growth.
Join the growing community of birth folks by signing up for the newsletter today!
Tags: Book
Birth Small Talk 
Dear Kirsten, I have self published my book NewBaby101- A Midwife’s Guide for New Parents. I recommend you explore BookBaby. Happy to chat some more when u r ready. Lois Wattis
LikeLike
Thanks Lois – I’ll look them up and get back to you when I’m ready.
LikeLike
Have you communicated with Dr Sara Wickham and Dr Rachel Reed. One in Aus and one in UK who both may be able to suggest how they started off with their amazing books. Both have really lifted the learning of midwives and their books are so well received.
LikeLike
Yes I have spoken the them both over the past few years about book writing and publishing. Thanks for thinking of it.
LikeLike
Kirsten- First, thank you so much for your insights on CTG! They have been super valuable in my research (improving labor outcomes in low- and middle-income countries).
Second, re publishing help: Cami Ostman runs the Narrative Project (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cami-ostman-30569561 ), which helps authors write, finish, and publish books. Dr. Linda Eckert just published “Enough” about cervical cancer (https://drlindaeckert.com/ ) with an assist from the Narrative Project, so you can check with her for an author’s perspective. I’m sure she would be happy to speak with you.
Best of luck – I know your book will be a wonderful resource! Thanks, Charles Delahunt, Global Health Labs, Seattle, WA. charles.delahunt@ghlabs.orgcharles.delahunt@ghlabs.org
LikeLike
Thanks Charles – I’ll take a look.
LikeLike
I was literally just reading Rachel Reed’s book last night and thinking “God! I’d love to read a book from Dr Small!!”
LikeLike
Thanks! Rachel’s books are great aren’t they?
LikeLike
How wonderful for you Kirsten, you are doing amazing things in this field . I am in awe of your work, you are so busy changing the face of our understanding in the fetal monitoring space.
Re info on someone who may be able to help just a little, Kay Spence AM is self published both medical and non medical, including clinical research and translation of evidence to practice. and she is simply brilliant. I am sure you already know her she is a guru in neonatal intensive care nursing, neonatal care, models of care, holiday stories, anthology and pretty well everything. Kay is also just a gloriously nice human. Kays email is kayespence@hotmail.com.
Stay well and don’t to take some time to smell the roses Regards Kate Dyer
LikeLike
Thanks Kate!
LikeLike